Chair of Board of Trustees

​Founded in 1975, Rights of Women is the only charity dedicated to delivering frontline legal advice to women experiencing all forms of violence against women and girls across England and Wales. The organisation also campaigns for access to justice and safety for all women.

In its 50th anniversary year, Rights of Women is seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Board to succeed Dr Annie Hedge, the long-standing and inspirational outgoing Chair. The incoming Chair will play a pivotal role in leading the Board, building on the charity’s successes and supporting its mission to improve the lives of women across the country.

Applications are welcomed from women* of diverse backgrounds whose skills and experience will complement a high-performing and committed Board. The successful candidate will help to ensure Rights of Women remains at the forefront of legal and policy discussions relating to women’s rights.

The organisation is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with a strong commitment to tackling intersectional and structural discrimination. Applications are actively encouraged from women from Black and minoritised communities, including refugee and migrant women, disabled women, and those with lived experience of the issues central to the charity’s work—such as domestic violence and abuse, insecure immigration status, and workplace sexual harassment. All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Although Rights of Women operates nationally, regular travel to London is required due to the specific demands of the Chair role and the organisation’s office location.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

– Proven experience in governance, leadership, and strategic decision-making, ideally within a charity or public sector setting

– Strong financial oversight and risk management skills

– Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to influence and collaborate across stakeholders

– A background in supporting organisational growth and development

Time commitment: Approximately two days per month.

Full details, including the application documents, are available in the application pack.

To apply, candidates should submit the following to recruitment@row.org.uk:

– An up-to-date CV

– A covering letter (maximum two pages)

– A completed Essential Information Form (including referee details)

– An Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person interview at the Rights of Women offices and will have the opportunity to meet the Director and wider team.

Key dates:

Application deadline: Thursday 31st July 2025, 5:00pm

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 11th August 2025

First Board meeting: Wednesday 17th September 2025

This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 16, Part 1) and is therefore open to women only.

Please note: Applicants are kindly asked not to use AI tools when preparing their application. Rights of Women values each candidate’s personal voice and perspective.

For more information please email recruitment@row.org.uk or visit https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/about-us/join-our-team/ 

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